So that's what you guys were doing that first day....
As far as the price thing goes, I know it'll be different for each person as each situation is unique, I just thought maybe he had a set base price and then it would go up from there depending on if you needed extra parts or required more labor, etc. I totally agree though that contacting him would be the best way to get a better, ballpark figure. I know how much Chris' swap cost cuz I was there and I remember it being discussed at some point, somehwere. I just think it helps anyone/everyone else to know how much because it gives them a more realistic idea. I didnt know/think Chris' would cost what it did, but now I know. And Judy, between his and yours, I have an idea of what one would cost, assuming things go relatively smooth.
On the topic of the swap itself, you're lucky you had "the guys" doing it for you, for the most part. It doesnt seem like we were at it 10-12hours a day, but we were. And boy did time fly! We'd also get late starts. We'd be in the shop til 1 or 2am and wouldnt get back to the shop and back to work til noon, if not later, the next day. It was weird too because it didnt seem like we did a lot of work but we did. I think the toughest part, while I was there anyway, was the interior stuff. We had an issue fitting the clutch pedal in. Apparently some Accords have a cut-out and what-not but Chris' didnt. Or it did but it was missing something. I cant remember, lol. Removing all the interior trim, swapping the shifters, dropping the motor in; it was good fun and good experience. It's one of those things that Id like to do one day but at the same time, it'd be hard to cough up $5k for such a thing. But in the end you pretty much have a brand new car, so it's worth it.